The central bank said on Tuesday the raids were carried out following complaints from the public. These illegal activities are offences under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001.

“Relevant assets and documents of the companies were seized for investigation,” it said in a statement.

This was the third time within a week that Bank Negara investigated and raided companies over suspected illegal deposit taking and money-laundering activities.

On April 4, the central bank said it was investigating Mercantile Point Sdn Bhd and Sunshine Empire Sdn Bhd and their related companies suspected of conducting illegal deposit taking and money-laundering activities.

Bank Negara raided Mercantile Point Sdn Bhd and its related companies on April 2, while the raids on Sunshine Empire Sdn Bhd and its related companies were carried out on April 4.

The raids were also carried out at premises of the companies around Kuala Lumpur following complaints from the public. Relevant assets and documents of the companies were seized for the purpose of investigation.

Bank Negara reminded members of the public not to place money or deposits with companies not licensed by the central bank or to be involved in any “get rich quick” scheme.

It said the list of all the licensed institutions that accept deposits was available on its website atwww.bnm.gov.my.